Approaching the cusp of the new century, New York
perfectly displayed the juxtaposition of two highly diverging
lifestyles of people from different social classes.
perfectly displayed the juxtaposition of two highly diverging
lifestyles of people from different social classes.
Nineteenth Century Immigration
New York Times Map of Immigration in the 1800s based on
information from the U.S. Bureau of the Census |
Created by Ted Brackemyre based on data from
the U.S. Bureau of the Census |
In the 1800s, thousands of immigrants from all over the world
poured into the country each year, congregating especially in New York.
poured into the country each year, congregating especially in New York.
|
Tenement life. 1900. Library of Congress
|
An Unfamiliar Audience
NY's immigrant landing,
Ellis Island - Library of Congress |
Having originated from a foreign country, many were unfamiliar with the English language. Since the newspapers at this time were predominately targeted toward the wealthy, immigrants were seldom an audience of the press. |
During the 19th century, New York journalists were very neglectful of their
increasing immigrant population. Overall, the path of journalism during this time had little
relevance to the lower class, and was chiefly controlled by the wealthy.
increasing immigrant population. Overall, the path of journalism during this time had little
relevance to the lower class, and was chiefly controlled by the wealthy.